New tour restrictions in place - please see the tour page for more info. Parking may be limited. FIRE BAN in effect - no campfires or smoking (except in an enclosed vehicle).

Accessibility

Living Cave Accessibility Information

Sign Language Saturday Tours

Read about the tour given to the team at Ability 360 by clicking the link above, and learn how they made their tour an exceptional experience for people of all abilities!

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR A SAFE AND ENJOYABLE TOUR AT KARTCHNER CAVERNS STATE PARK

Every year, over 150,000 people, from every corner of the globe and of all ages and abilities, experience the caverns. The trail system inside Kartchner Caverns is one of only a select few that was developed specifically for people with limited mobility with their ultimate experience in the forefront of our minds! If not properly prepared for the tour however, the experience could be compromised.

A tour through the Caverns may be a very emotional and incredible experience for visitors-it truly is a special place! Our goal is that everyone, regardless of ability, is able to experience the cave and the wonders contained within. Before visiting the park, please read the following information about the cave for a comprehensive understanding of logistics, methodology, and safety.

NOTE: Feedback from a specific focus group of persons with limited mobility and abilities has been included in many of the recommendations below.

If you or a loved one has a disability and you want to share a story about your experience at Kartchner Caverns, please email the Parks ADA Coordinator at [email protected]

Most above ground and below ground areas on the park are accessible except for most parts of the hiking trails. (Hiking trails include uneven, unpaved surfaces; extended inclines/declines, steps, turns and miscellaneous obstacles such as rocks or logs.) Access to parking areas, campgrounds, picnic areas and buildings are designed to be wheelchair accessible. The Discovery Center doors are automatic or manually activated automatic. All restrooms and shower areas are wheelchair accessible but the doors are NON-automated and must be opened manually.

Note: The information provided in the links below pertains to the Park’s standard day tours. Kartchner offers a tour on Saturday nights only called the Saturday Helmet & Headlamp Tour –this exciting tour is done with the lights out –the only light comes from the headlamps of each tour participant. This tour is not available for children under 10. With limited lighting those with medical issues such as poor balance, anxiety and visual problems should consider the day tours

Park Entrance Fee

About Kartchner Caverns State Park

In November 1974, Gary Tenen and Randy Tufts were exploring the limestone hills at the eastern base of the Whetstone Mountains. They were looking “for a cave no one had ever found” and found it. The two kept the cave a secret until February 1978 when they told the property owners, James and Lois Kartchner, about their awesome discovery. Since unprotected caves can be seriously damaged by unregulated use, they knew the cave had to be protected. Tenen and Tufts spent several years looking into the possibility of developing the cave themselves. Some members of the Kartchner family lived in Tucson and were very impressed with the development and operation of Catalina State Park by Arizona State Parks. They decided to approach State Parks to see if the agency was interested in acquiring this outstanding resource.